Big News: SolutionX is Acquired by Top Direct Sales Software Competitor iCentris

Today we’re announcing some major news for SolutionX.

Last week, the board of SolutionX agreed to merge with iCentris, Inc., another direct selling software provider based in Woods Cross, Utah.

Around here, we’re very excited. We think the two companies will create the dominant MLM and Direct Sales software provider in this industry. It will allow us to deliver at a higher level than we ever have before.

Our mutual goal going forward will be to design, develop and deliver the best web tools and enhancements for helping distributors succeed. As a result, we look forward to increased sales, higher recruiting and retention rates, improved overall customer/client satisfaction and reduced operating costs.

As far as our products, we anticipate the development of a next-generation “Unity” platform to grow out of the combined efforts of the companies. We will create an unparalleled tool-set to best serve our clients. Simply put, there will be no other offering like ours in the market.

We’re happy to be welcomed into the iCentris family and we look forward to years of leading the direct sales software space together and staying ahead of the trends -- and our competitors -- in providing the best social marketing web solutions for network marketers, party planners, and direct sellers.

Click here to read the official press release.

Essential Tools for Word-of-Mouth Marketers

A few days ago I re-discovered a helpful article from Mashable, "the top source for news in social and digital media, technology and web culture," aimed at companies and organizations looking to improve their social media reach.

First posted in 2009, there are still some great tips and resources for people in the Network Marketing industry and those independent word-of-mouth marketers who make it tick.

The artcile features 18 websites and tools aimed at helping you improve your Social Media Listening and Monitoring, your Editorial, Publishing, and Content Syndication and, of course, measuring your Conversation and Content Sharing.

Here's the link: 18 Essential Tools for Every Word-of-Mouth Marketer

Do you think social media tools like these can help your business flourish or are they more helpful for traditional products and services?

Are You Waiting for Others to Make You Successful?

In a word: don't.

Network Marketing isn't about leaders or the company making you successful. Network Marketing is about improving yourself so you can make others successful.

Sure, leaders are important. Yes, picking the right company to begin with is important. But if the basic criterion are met, the rest is up to you. But no leader is perfect and no company is immune to mistakes or criticism.

However, most leaders and companies will present the opportunity like it is the "one and only" when what you really need to do is find what company matches your personality and goals. So, unless you really aren't seeing results from the product (so you are unable to create your own success stories), you would be smart to "love the one you're with" instead of hopping around.

The real key will be to continue to grow in your own ability to present the opportunity. Use tools -- like the Unity website -- and get training, like any other professional would.

Then, when you go out and do the work, let the people know you are an imperfect person working for an imperfect company that happens to have a product that you love and will use forever because of the results you get. This honesty will not only prepare them for a challenging road ahead but will earn you respect for telling it like it is upfront.

No lies, no hype and no unrealistic expectations. If you both have a clear vision of what it will take to succeed, you can reach out together to shape your own financial futures.

Is this Your First Rodeo? 7 Tips for First Time Network Marketers

1. Really, really believe іn уοur products.

The best testimonial you'll have of how great your products are is your own. If уοu want tο succeed іn direct sales, уοu need tο sincerely believe іn уοur products. Your story and, even better, your results are your best defense once customers start asking the tough questions.

2. Honesty іѕ always thе best policy.

If you truly believe in what you are doing and in the products you are using, you won't need to lie about anything to sweeten the deal. Don't make up earnings figures, don't claim product miracles (unless they happened to you personally) and don't tell people they'll become millionaires in a matter of months. Just be you and let results and your personal story do the talking.

3. Never, ever beg.

If you are feeling desperate to make your first sale or are trying to make the payout requirements, do it with class. Always. And if begging ever works for you, the person you brought in will never work the business because they only got in because they felt sorry for you. The last thing you want is for people to avoid you when they see you coming and, if begging is your strategy, you'll just start to reek of desperation. That's not attractive. So, be confident, happy and friendly and people will start asking you why.

3. Get people excited to hear your offer.

Be enthusiastic. Speak with confidence. Have a sense of humor about things. An upbeat tone саn help people be receptive. Get to know new friends and learn what makes certain people tick. Then you can prepare yourself and approach each person with a message that is catered to whаt thеу want tο hear. Use their interests to find a way to connect it to one of your products or a part of the opportunity.

4. Assertive vs. Aggressive.

Be excited but give people their space. Make your follow up calls a few times a week or less. Here's an important tip: If at any time someone tells you they are not at all interested, thank them for their time and ask if they know of anyone who might be receptive. Then cut them loose. Give them at least 3-5 months before you even think about calling back. There's a fine line between showing confidence in your message and wanting to get people excited and pushing your boundaries. Be confident but never force your will or your presentation on anyone. This is a business of relationships so don't burn bridges by being forceful or stubborn.

5. Bе patient.

Do you best and then let people come to you. Building a quality team can take a lot of hard work and time. Trust your message and your products. Don't give up.

6. Bе genuine.

Be yourself. This is the only way people will know they can trust what you say and give you a chance. If you try to act like a super-salesman and you're not or if you try to use words and language that your upline does, it won't seem like you and people will sense it and be turned off. Trust your product experiences and your energetic personality to sell for you.

7. Use a proven website system.

There are a lot of horrible MLM or Network Marketing websites out there. Not every one will really give you support or the right tools. Most of them will take your money, send you some crappy leads and call it good. A good system should help you market your products and opportunity with good design, a solid presentation and lead capture. It should have a Back Office that gives you reporting tools, training, contact management, calendars, tax management and resources to build your business. It should have a community where you can socialize, share stories, videos, pictures and stay close to your team. Sure, we'd like your company to use ours because we think it's the best tool out there for building a successful team but, either way, a good marketing site should be on your list of priorities.

What else do you think would be important? Are there any experienced networkers out there that have found certain tips to being successful? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Is Direct Selling Recession Proof?

Here is a popular clip from 2008 that has made its way around the Internet. Many people use it as evidence that the Direct Selling industry is recession proof. Of course, we all know that every industry has its ups and downs but there are plenty of reasons why choosing to get involved with a Direct Sales or Network Marketing opportunity during a down economy could actually be a great idea. So, watch the video, form your own opinion and leave your comments below.